Do I need to know how to swim to take surf lessons?

Yes and no. Beginner lessons are conducted in waist-deep water where you can easily stand, so advanced swimming skills are not strictly necessary. However, water comfort is important for a positive experience.

What equipment is provided for surf lessons?

E Street Surf School provides a surfboard and a wetsuit for every student if needed. Students only need to bring a swimsuit, a towel, and sunscreen.

Where is the meeting location for lessons?

Most lessons start and finish at Common Roots in Rye (2203 Ocean Boulevard). Arrangements can also be made to meet at 8th Street at 'The Wall' in Hampton, provided we have height and weight details in advance for gear sizing.

What is the youngest age for kids surf lessons?

We have taught children as young as 4 years old. For safety, children ages 4-6 must book private one-on-one lessons to ensure they receive the specialized, hands-on attention they need.

When is the best time to book a summer surf camp?

We highly recommend contacting us in January or February to express interest. Formal sign-ups occur in February and March, and our calendar fills quickly due to our small 3:1 student-to-instructor ratio.

Are your instructors safety certified?

Yes. Every instructor is CPR certified and our team includes trained Hampton lifeguards, ensuring a premier, safety-first environment for all students.

Can businesses sign up for Team Building or HR Days?

Yes! We offer specialized Team Building Surf Days for local businesses looking to boost morale. Visit our Business Team Building page or contact us to plan your corporate adventure.

Is there food and Wi-Fi at your location?

Yes. We are located inside Common Roots in Rye, which offers free Wi-Fi and a full cafe menu with smoothie bowls, vegan options, coffee, beer, and wine.

When are Ladies Night dates announced?

Ladies Night dates are typically announced in February or March. We frequently add more dates throughout the season to accommodate high demand.

What is the best way to contact you in the summer?

The fastest way to reach us is by text at 603-770-5308, as cell signals are often stronger than voice signals near the beach. You can also visit us at Common Roots in Rye.

THE LONGEVITY LINEUP: A Masterclass for the Seasoned Surfer Part 2 - The Modern Quiver

For the surfer starting later in life or returning after a break, the greatest challenge isn’t the swell, it’s the ego. The Modern Quiver explores why volume is your friend, arguing that high volume mid lengths and hybrids are the essential tools for overcoming the natural decline in explosive paddle power. This may be an unpopular opinion for some, but by trading the shortboards of youth for smarter gear, seasoned surfers can stop racing the groms and start out thinking them through superior wave reading and positioning.

Tom Powley

2/11/20263 min read

grayscale photo of man riding surfboard during daytime

Installment 2: The Modern Quiver

Volume is Your Friend

If you started surfing later in life or if you’re returning to it after a hiatus, the biggest obstacle isn't the ocean; it’s your ego. We’ve all seen the marketing of a 22 year old pro on a 24 liter tiny board doing backflips. But for the surfer in their 40s or 50s, riding that board isn’t just difficult, for most of us, it’s a waste of a good swell.

In this stage of the game, Volume is the Great Equalizer.

The Volume Equation

As we age, our paddle engine changes. We might have the endurance, but that raw, explosive burst to sneak into a steep peak naturally slows down. Board selection will help compensate.

The Mid-Length: Boards between 7'0" and 8'0" are the sweet spot for the seasoned surfer. They offer the glide of a longboard (catching waves earlier) but have pulled-in tails that allow for carving.
The Duck Dive Dilemma: Many older surfers struggle with huge longboards because they can't get under the waves. If that's you, look for high-volume shortboards or hybrids, ie. boards that are wide and thick but short enough to push under a breaking wave.
The Golden Rule: In my opinion, if you aren't catching at least 5 to 10 waves a session, your board is too small. More waves equal more surfing which is the only way to actually improve.

Brain Over Brawn

If you didn’t spend your youth immersed in the ocean, you may lack the subconscious movements that younger surfers develop naturally. While young guns rely on raw physical reaction, the mature surfer can use observation and logic to read the environment, conserving energy and making more strategic decisions in the water.

The 10-Minute Study: Before you jump in the water, stand on the beach. Don't look at the waves; look at the water. Where is the rip current helping you get out? Where are the sets actually peaking? The younger crowd charges in blindly; the seasoned surfer uses the conveyor belt of the ocean to save their energy before the first wave.
Positioning is Power: When you start later in life, you likely won't win a sprint paddle against a 19-year-old. So, don't race them. Sit five yards further outside or twenty yards down the beach. Use your ability to read the horizon to be in the spot where the wave will be, rather than where it is.

Equipment for Longevity

It isn't just about the board. Your gear can either help or hinder your physical maintenance.

The Wetsuit Factor: A cheap, stiff wetsuit is like wearing a giant rubber band that fights every paddle stroke. In your 50s, invest in a high-stretch neoprene. It reduces shoulder fatigue significantly over a two hour session.
The 2+1 Setup: If your joints are stiff, consider a board with more stability rather than a twin fin. For an older surfer seeking stability and smooth flow, a 2+1 setup (large center fin with small side bites) is often superior to a twin fin, offering more hold and drive while being less punishing than a performance thruster. A 2+1 allows for classic, carvable turns while providing the control necessary for more varied, often smaller, conditions, blending single fin flow with better stability.

The Ego Check

There is a specific dignity in being the old dude on a 9-foot log who catches the best set of the day and rides it with style to the beach. Starting later in life means you aren't trying to recapture old glory. Go and celebrate your acquired patience and wisdom and enjoy the swell. You've got nothing to prove boss!

Embrace the volume. Respect the glide. Let the kids scramble while you command the lineup.